Trump Claims Tim Cook Contacted Him Over $15 Billion EU Fines

Former U.S. President Donald Trump revealed in a recent podcast interview that Apple CEO Tim Cook reached out to him regarding Apple’s ongoing issues with the European Union (via The Verge).

Speaking on the PBD Podcast, Trump disclosed that Tim Cook contacted him just hours before the interview. According to Trump, Cook expressed concern about the financial penalties Apple has been subjected to by the EU.

“Two hours ago, three hours ago, he [Cook] called me,” Trump said. “He said the European Union has just fined us $15 billion… Then on top of that, they got fined by the European Union another $2 billion.”

These fines refer to two significant rulings by the EU. In March, Apple was hit with a $2 billion fine for antitrust violations. European regulators found that Apple leveraged its dominant position in the app marketplace to prevent music streaming platforms from informing customers about cheaper subscription options outside of Apple’s ecosystem.

Additionally, the EU successfully imposed a $14.4 billion penalty on Apple over unpaid taxes after a lengthy legal battle.

During the interview, Trump emphasized that he would not allow such actions against American companies if he wins the upcoming presidential election.

He shared more details of his conversation with Cook, where the Apple CEO reportedly said that European regulators are using fines as a way to “run their enterprise,” suggesting that the EU is benefiting financially from these penalties.

The fines against Apple are just one part of a broader effort by the EU to regulate big tech companies and ensure that companies comply with European competition laws and tax policies.

As the U.S. approaches the 2024 presidential election, these regulatory battles are likely to be a point of discussion, especially with candidates like Trump, who have strong opinions on protecting American companies from foreign governments.